Can Breastfeeding Be Initiated After 6 Months of Birth?
Yes, breastfeeding can absolutely be initiated in a baby older than 6 months, though it requires advance preparation and mothers may produce at least a partial milk supply. 1
Feasibility of Late Breastfeeding Initiation
Breastfeeding initiation is physiologically possible beyond 6 months of age, including in cases of adoption or surrogacy, though this optimally requires advance preparation through hormonal stimulation and signaling of the breasts through pumping in advance of the infant's arrival. 1
The mother may produce at least a partial milk supply even with late initiation, though full milk production is not guaranteed. 1
The clinician's role is not to discourage breastfeeding attempts regardless of the infant's age, but rather to support the mother's desire to breastfeed. 1
Nutritional Considerations for Infants Over 6 Months
After 6 months of age, breast milk alone is insufficient to meet all nutritional needs, so complementary foods must be introduced concurrently with any breastfeeding efforts. 1, 2
Foods rich in protein, iron, and zinc (such as finely ground meats, chicken, or fish) should be prioritized as complementary foods for infants over 6 months. 1, 2
Even if partial breastfeeding is established, breast milk should be viewed as a supplement to a complete diet of solid foods rather than the primary nutrition source for infants beyond 6 months. 1
Recommended Duration if Successfully Initiated
Major health organizations support continued breastfeeding until 2 years or beyond as mutually desired by mother and child, so late initiation can still provide meaningful benefits if successful. 1, 2, 3
The World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to 2 years or beyond. 1
Maternal health benefits of breastfeeding include decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and reduced risk of hip fracture due to osteoporosis later in life. 1
Critical Caveats
The evidence base for late breastfeeding initiation (after 6 months) is extremely limited, as virtually all breastfeeding research focuses on initiation immediately after birth or within the first days of life. 4
Success rates and milk production volumes for late initiation are not well-documented in the medical literature, so expectations should be realistic.
Do not delay appropriate complementary feeding while attempting to establish breastfeeding in an infant over 6 months, as nutritional deficiencies can develop rapidly at this age without adequate protein, iron, and zinc intake. 1, 2
Infants who have been formula-fed or consuming solid foods may resist breastfeeding attempts, which is a practical consideration distinct from physiological feasibility. 1